Gourmet State of Jefferson

Friday, January 4. 2008

The region constituting southwest Oregon and northern California is often called Jefferson State by the locals, in memory of a brief and unserious succession attempt in the 1940's. Jeffersonians see themselves as aloof from the Sodom and Gomorrahs of Portland and the California cities, and much abused by them.

Despite this, the hundreds of wealthy California retirees moving into the Rogue Valley over the last 15 years have brough a taste for the finer things with them, and have made the region a reasonable place to cook, provided you're willing to spend a whole day of driving to get the groceries. Here's where to find everything:

Rogue Creamery, Central Point: the banner-carrier for gourmet Southern Oregon is this cheesery, which has spent the last 5 years racking up international awards for their blue cheeses and expanding. The store at their factory not only sells their blue and flavored cheddars (try the lavender), but also artisan cheeses from around the world and gourmet ingredients from all over the region as well as Italy, including wine and beer.

Lilly Belle Chocolates, Central Point: renting a building owned by Rogue Creamery is the premier chocolatier of Jefferson County. Their filled chocolates tend towards the exotic, including several award-winning chili chocolates, and (of course!) a blue cheese truffle.

Food-4-Less, Medford: because this discount grocery caters to the region's Mexican and Asian populations, it's the very best source for quality bulk foods, cheap produce, and ethnic ingredients in the area. And oh-so-cheap.

Asian Market, Medford (on Barnett, near WinCo Foods): this randomly-stocked pan-Asian store is really the only source of fish sauce, rice noodles, banana leaves or nori in Medford. Dry goods and frozen stuff only, and don't count on them having anything in particular; the stock is mostly overflow from bulk orders for local Asian restaurants. Still, they have a sushi bar attached.

Pacific Wine Club, Medford (near airport): this is the Rogue Valley's best wine shop, with high-quality selection of imported and regional wines and unusual selections like a local dry cider. Despite the name, it doesn't charge a membership, but you can go there at dusk on Fridays and get a guided wine tasting.

Chocolate Affair, Grant's Pass: molded chocolate, baked chocolate, cookies, fancy coffee drinks and elaborate cakes. What's not to love?

The Kitchen Company, Grant's Pass: visiting Jacksonville and forgot your egg poachers and your ravioli press? Visit this well-stocked and reasonably priced kitchen store.

Mellelo's Coffee, Medford: the truth is, you'd have to try to get a bad coffee drink from any of the Rogue Valley's many espresso bars, even the drive-throughs. But Mellelo's is unquestionably the paragon of local roasters, distributing to dozens of restaurants and stores throughout the region. Get your whole beans freshest by going to their main store behind Wal-Mart in Medford.

Katerina's, Phoenix: daily fresh-made corn tortillas, salsa and tamales. Open somewhat erratically, but delicious and cheap.

YummyCake, Medford: cake from people who really love cake. Moist layers, interesting fillings, tasty frosting. We got a cake from them for our wedding.

The Wharf: see earlier review. One of only two or three sources of not-previously-frozen fish and shellfish.

Butte Creek Mill, Eagle Point: pretty much tied with Giusto's for the best flour source on the West Coast. We buy flour and grains from Butte Creek to take down to San Francisco; you frankly won't believe the difference having really good flour can make.

Posted by The Fuzzy Chef in Shopping at 19:49 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)